A VPN is great for protecting your data while browsing the web. You can also use it to spoof your location to access geo-restricted content and save money while shopping online.
Using public wifi on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be risky; hackers and network administrators can tap into your data to steal personal information. A VPN encrypts your data so your ISP, websites, and nosy third parties can’t see your activity.
Privacy
Your data isn’t private when using public wifi — whether working from a coffee shop or absentmindedly scrolling social media while at the airport. Unencrypted radio waves are easily picked up by hackers and cybercriminals who can steal your information to commit identity theft, extortion, or worse. A VPN connects to a server hosted in a country other than your location, creating a tunnel for your data that makes it impossible for cybercriminals to see what you’re doing online.
With a VPN, your device’s IP address is replaced with an anonymous, encrypted address that prevents your search history from being recorded or sold to marketers and advertisers. This is especially important if you use a public computer or wifi network at work, school, or an airport.
It’s also useful when you travel to countries where the government censors certain content or services. When you use VPN connections, you connect to servers in various countries worldwide, allowing you to access this geo-restricted content without being detected by local security apparatus.
Access Blocked Content While Traveling
A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and a server hosted in another location. This allows your devices to behave like they were connected to the same local network, even though you’re thousands of miles away. Choosing a reputable and secure VPN provider is essential, as not all VPNs are created equal. Look for a service that offers high-speed connections and uses a strong encryption cipher. Also, choose one with many servers and those physically close to your current location.
Many travel destinations need more internet access. This can be frustrating when trying to book a flight, find the latest episode of your favorite TV show, or browse a website.
The best way to overcome these obstacles is by using a VPN. Many popular websites and streaming services block their content from users outside of a specific region. A VPN makes it appear as if you’re connecting from the same country and, in turn, unlocks the content. Remember that some services may have terms and conditions prohibiting VPN use, so read them carefully.
Speed
All data sent first goes to your internet service provider (ISP), who then sends it to the website or server you’re trying to reach. When you use a VPN, however, your traffic bypasses your ISP and is routed directly to the website or server you’re trying out. This means that your data won’t have to travel as far, which can lead to faster speeds.
Another reason that VPNs can help with speed is that they obscure your IP address, which stops your ISP from seeing the websites you’re visiting and throttling your bandwidth. That means that even if you’re using public wifi at a coffee shop, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online and slow down your connection.
Finally, a VPN can also help you improve your internet speed by connecting to a server close to your physical location. Some VPN services even show you ping levels of different servers to find one with the best performance near your home or office.
Security
A VPN tunnel encrypts your data, making it impossible for others to see what you’re doing online. This protects your privacy and prevents others from using your personal information for the wrong reasons. This is especially important when working remotely from home or on a public wifi network, where it’s possible that cybercriminals could gain access to sensitive business files.
Internet service providers (ISPs) often snoop on their customers’ data to monetize or sell it to third parties. This can affect your privacy and slow connection speed, especially when downloading large files. A VPN shields you from these prying eyes so you can browse and shop peacefully.
A VPN also helps you evade geo-restrictions. Many websites limit the content they sell or stream to certain countries. You can get around these restrictions by connecting to a server in the country you want to appear in. Make sure your VPN provider has servers in various countries. Look for a no-logs policy and robust encryption algorithms.
Unblocking Geo-Restricted Content
Due to copyright and licensing policies, many streaming platforms limit their content based on geographical locations. A VPN can unblock these restrictions by connecting you to a server in the country you wish to access.
A VPN can also obfuscate your digital trail, hiding your browsing and download activity from data brokers who collect and sell this information. This is especially useful when using public wifi, as the VPN will encrypt your data before sending it to an anonymous server.
Additionally, a VPN can protect your privacy during Skype or Google Hangouts chat sessions if you live in an oppressive regime. This is because the VPN will mask your location, making it impossible for government snoopers to detect that you’re researching censored material or flight prices.
